Santa Maria in Trastevere Church

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Hours: Open daily (church hours; check for Mass/service times)

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

Santa Maria in Trastevere is a basilica church in Rome’s Trastevere district, traditionally regarded as one of the city’s oldest Christian churches with origins tracing back to late antiquity. It is particularly noted for its medieval and later mosaics and decorated interior.

The interior displays important mosaics in the apse dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and later decorative schemes, along with a medieval and Renaissance history of rebuilding and artistic additions. The Cosmatesque-style floor and earlier architectural fabric attract visits from those interested in Roman medieval art and architecture.

The church underwent significant rebuilding in the 12th century, which established much of its present plan and decoration; subsequent restorations and additions altered decorative details in later centuries. It has remained an active parish church while also functioning as a major historic monument.

Located in the heart of Trastevere, the basilica fronts the main square (Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere) and is readily accessible from central Rome by foot or public transport.

• Antiquity and mosaics: Early Christian foundations date to late antiquity, making it one of Rome’s oldest titular churches. The apse mosaics are a principal artistic attraction.
• Access and setting: Situated on the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, it is easily reached from central Rome and is often visited together with the Trastevere neighbourhood.

Santa Maria in Trastevere sits in Rome’s Trastevere district by Piazza Santa Maria. The nearest major rail stop is Roma Trastevere station - the church is about a 5-10 minute walk from the station. You can also reach it by Tram 8 (get off in the Trastevere area) or by numerous city buses; walking from other parts of Trastevere is straightforward.

• Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere early on weekday mornings to enjoy the mosaics and interior with fewer tourists; the piazza fills up later in the day and after sunset.
• Enter from the main piazza to appreciate the 12th-century apse mosaics (attributed to Pietro Cavallini) and then look for the medieval cloister and side chapels-these quieter areas are often missed by casual visitors.
• If you want to experience the church's local character, check the mass schedule; services here draw neighborhood congregations and can be a lively cultural moment, but arrive outside service times if you prefer to look around undisturbed.